An Evening with Harlan Goldstein at Comfort Food for Friends (in Pattaya, Thailand)

The sign out front of Harlan Goldstein’s Comfort Food for Friends, a Western restaurant in Pattaya, Thailand. Photo Credit: Accidental Travel Writer.

Where to Eat in Pattaya

Harlan Goldstein’s Comfort Food for Friends is a fine dining restaurant serving an eclectic menu of mouth-watering dishes in casual surroundings. The charming eatery is located in the heart of Cozy Beach, a foodie enclave in Pattaya, Thailand.

Meet Harlan Goldstein

Harlan Goldstein and I go back a long way. I can’t remember where or how we met, but I assume it must have been at one of the many opening night parties of the slew of restaurants he opened in Hong Kong in the early 2000’s.

What I DO remember is attending a lavish birthday party several years ago. Pictures were taken, and I posted them on Facebook. And then we managed to almost lose touch.

I was a bit surprised when I learned nearly two years ago that Harlan had given up Hong Kong’s hectic food and beverage scene for the more laid- back setting of Pattaya, Thailand. The popular beach resort is a two hours’ drive from Bangkok, the Thai capital.

Located in Pattaya’s Cozy Beach district, Harlan Goldstein’s Comfort Food for Friends opened in January 2018.

Harlan Goldstein’s Comfort Food for Friends serves what Harlan calls “comfort food from around the world”, but if you are thinking of hot dogs or chili con carne or macaroni and cheese, think again.

Drawing on his 38 years’ experience manning the kitchens of restaurants in such diverse locations as New York City, Florida, Switzerland, and China, Harlan has developed an eclectic menu with Italian, Japanese, Mexican, Spanish, and Thai influences.

Harlan grew up in Big Apple’s rough-and-tumble Lower East Side. His career began in the kitchen of his uncle’s restaurant.

As the saying goes, the rest is history.

Captain’s Table Dinner at Harlan Goldstein’s Comfort Food

Place setting for two at Harlan Goldetein’s Comfort Food for Friends. Photo Credit: Accidental Travel Writer.

When I informed Harlan that I was in town for a few days, he invited me over for what he calls a “Captain’s Table Dinner” at the eponymous Harlan Goldstein’s Comfort Food for Friends.

This turned out to be a four-course dinner for two. It was washed down with several perfectly crafted gins and tonic.

The Starter

The starter. Photo Credit: Accidental Travel Writer.

Black Olive Bread with Middle Eastern Garlic Butter

We started with scrumptious black olive bread, which we slathered with Middle Eastern garlic butter.

It was delectable!

The First Course

The First Course. Photo Credit: Accidental Travel Writer.

Smoked Salmon Ice Cream Cones with Caviar

Our second course was smoked salmon ice cream cones, which were topped with caviar. The texture was smooth as silk, and the taste was out of this world.

What an interesting combination of flavours and textures! I loved it!

The Second Course

The second course. Photo Credit: Accidental Travel Writer.

Organic Beetroot Tartar with Spice Yogurt

I have to be honest: I have never liked beetroot. My mother used to slice canned beets into thin slices and top green salads with them.

And I would carefully pick out all the the slices of beets. When my mother protested, saying, “What are you doing? Beets are delicious!”

I would hand her mine and say, “If you like beets so much, you can have mine.”

All I can say now is, Harlan has made me a believer. The organic beetroot tartar with spice yogurt was delicious. Again, a perfect combination of flavours and textures. And it was beautifully presented!

The Third Course

The third course. Photo Credit: Accidental Travel Writer.

Four Cheese Fondue Truffle with Spanish Ham and Black Truffle Honey

The picture says it all. This melodious dish was music to my taste buds!